A protester calling for free computer software and open-source programming crashed a speech by Microsoft Corp chairman Bill Gates at one of China's top universities yesterday.
Gates, who is very popular on Chinese campuses, had just finished a speech at Peking University and was handing out prizes to students when a Chinese man walked on stage and unveiled a banner with "free software, open source" written on it.
Gates and most of the group appeared shocked at the intrusion, which ended when the man ran off the stage and was tackled by security officials. No one was hurt.
Gates is in China to check on Microsoft's growing operations and take part in several business forums.
Microsoft is offering a low-cost, scaled-down version of its student software in developing countries to help billions of poor people access computer technology.
A Student Innovation Suite including Windows XP, Office and Learning Essentials 2.0 will be sold to "qualifying governments" beginning later this year for US$3 a unit.
"All human beings deserve a chance to achieve their full potential," Gates said.
The discounted software offer is an expansion of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential program aimed at accelerating the adoption of computer technology in developing countries.
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